it won't/wouldn't hurt somebody to do something

it won't hurt to (have or do something)

It is or may be good, pragmatic, or beneficial to have or do something. A noun or pronoun can be used between "hurt" and "to." (Also used with "wouldn't hurt," "couldn't hurt," "doesn't hurt," and "can't hurt.") I get that you like doing things your own way, but it won't hurt to have a helping hand now and then. I know that the managers are trying to cut costs, but it won't hurt them to treat the staff to lunch now and then. Well, it won't hurt to have a full tank of gas before we get out on the road.

See also: hurt, to

it wouldn't hurt to (have or do something)

It is or may be good, pragmatic, or beneficial to have or do something. A name or personal pronoun can be used between "hurt" and "to." (Also used with "won't hurt," "couldn't hurt," "doesn't hurt," and "can't hurt.") I get that you like doing things your own way, but it wouldn't hurt to have a helping hand now and then. I know that the managers are trying to cut costs, but it wouldn't hurt them to treat the staff to lunch every once in a while. A: "Why are we stopping?" B: "Well, it wouldn't hurt to have a full tank of gas before we get out on the road."

See also: hurt, to

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

it won’t/wouldn’t ˈhurt somebody to do something

it will/would be better for somebody to do something; it would be a good idea for somebody to do something: It wouldn’t hurt her to walk instead of going in the car all the time.

See also: hurt, somebody, something, to

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017